Yoga Mat

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed toward an improved yoga mat for use on uneven surfaces and outdoors. The invention is a yoga mat comprising a top layer of pliable material, a bottom layer of pliable material, and a plurality of rigid slats positioned between the top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable material. The rigid slats are composed of bamboo and the pliable material is thermoplastic elastomer. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the width of the yoga mat and a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of the yoga mat. In another embodiment of the invention the yoga mat comprises a plurality of rigid slats encased in a continuous pliable surface material. The rigid slats prevent the yoga mat from slipping when used outdoors or on an uneven surface.

PRIORITY

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/832,281 filed on Jun. 7, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to accessories used during yoga and more specifically to a yoga mat having a plurality of firm slats to provide rigidity to the yoga mat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

“Yoga” refers to the practice of Asana or the physical postures of yoga. “Yoga mats” are also commonly used as general exercise mats in gyms and outdoor activities. Yoga itself may be performed in any environment including the studio, gym, home, or outdoors. In recent years the popularity of performing yoga outdoors has dramatically increased and the present invention seeks to design a mat well suited for use in outdoor exercise and specifically outdoor yoga practice.

Yoga is a physical practice that is performed in various positions such as standing, sitting, or lying down. This form of exercise is intended to focus on gaining strength, balance, and flexibility of the body by flowing between and holding specific postures. Yoga is traditionally performed on a yoga mat. These mats were originally constructed of jute, animal's skin, or cotton. Modern yoga mats are constructed of materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), PER (Polymer Environmental Resin), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or various forms of natural or synthetic rubber. Each of these provides a different level of traction, cushioning, and durability specific to that material.

Although it is possible to perform yoga without a mat, the use of a mat can provide a more stable base for postures such as downward dog or warrior poses where the practitioner needs to apply pressure through the feet and/or hands on the mat in opposing directions. Without a mat, this would lead to instability and slipping. The yoga mat also provides cushioning on hard or uneven surfaces that could be uncomfortable otherwise.

Current mats on the market are not suited to outdoor use. When you place one of these mats on an uneven surface such as deep grass or sand, the mat conforms to the weight of the practitioner, sinking into the surface, and surrounding the body part in contact with the ground. With each movement of the body, the mat can bunch up or move, thus preventing the practitioner from smoothly and easily transitioning between poses, inhibiting the practice. It also inhibits proper alignment in a posture by restricting the ability to adjust the points of contact within a pose. Furthermore, with the mat conformed around the contact surface of the body, this greatly increases the instability when performing balancing postures.

In the current market there is a need for an exercise mat that would be able to provide a more stable surface on uneven outdoor terrain to avoid the pitfalls described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed toward an improved yoga mat for use on uneven surfaces and outdoors. The invention is a yoga mat comprising a top layer of pliable material, a bottom layer of pliable material, and a plurality of rigid slats positioned between the top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable material. Furthermore, each of the plurality of rigid slats may be rectangular in shape, the width of each rigid slat may be no less than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches, and the plurality of rigid slats may extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches from the lateral edge of the yoga mat. Additionally, the thickness of the plurality of rigid slats may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters. Furthermore, the thickness of the top layer of pliable material may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters and the thickness of the bottom layer of pliable material may be no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3 millimeters. The plurality of rigid slats may be composed of bamboo and the pliable material may be a thermoplastic elastomer. The top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable material may be adhered to the plurality of rigid slats by means of an adhesive. The exterior surfaces of the top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable material may have textured surfaces. The top layer of pliable material and the bottom layer of pliable material may be adhered to the plurality of rigid slats by means of heat lamination. The thickness of the plurality of rigid slats may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters. The plurality of rigid slats may be composed of bamboo or a thermoplastic. The pliable material may be thermoplastic elastomer.

In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the width of the yoga mat and a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of the yoga mat. In this embodiment, the thickness of the plurality of rigid slats may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters, the thickness of the top layer of pliable material may be no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters, and the thickness of the bottom layer of pliable material may be no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3 millimeters. The pliable material may be thermoplastic elastomer.

In another embodiment of the invention the yoga mat comprises a plurality of rigid slats and a continuous pliable surface material. The plurality of rigid slats are encased in the continuous pliable surface material. In another version of this embodiment, a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the width of the yoga mat and a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of the yoga mat. Alternatively, in another version of this embodiment, the plurality of rigid slats are rectangular in shape, the thickness of the plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters, the width of each rigid slat is no less than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches, and the plurality of rigid slats extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches from the edge of the yoga mat. The pliable material may be thermoplastic elastomer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the yoga mat.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the yoga mat.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the yoga mat.

FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the yoga mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the present invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms or embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

The applicant's invention comprises an exercise mat specifically suited for outdoor exercise and specifically yoga practice. FIG. 1 displays a top view of the yoga mat 100 cut away to view the internal structure of the yoga mat 100. The yoga mat 100 is comprised of a pliable material 10 and a plurality of slats 20. In the preferred embodiment of the yoga mat 100 the slats 20 are sandwiched between two layers of pliable material 10. The pliable material 10 may be any natural or synthetic material which may fold, roll, and bend, without tearing or ripping. The pliable material 10 may be constructed of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, foam material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), PER (Polymer Environmental Resin), or Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). In some embodiments the pliable material 10 may be a scrim of fabric such as cotton or other lightweight fabric material. When the rubber or foam material contacts the ground, the pliable material 10 provides traction to prevent slippage. The slats 20 are composed of a rigid material. The slats may be any rigid material such as bamboo, wood, cork, plastic, or metal. The rigidity of the slats 20 permit an even distribution of body weight over the surface of the yoga mat 100. This will maintain stability of the surface preventing the yoga mat 100 from moving around under the weight of the practitioner, allowing smooth transitional movements and improved balance during poses.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of the yoga mat 100 is displayed. The yoga mat 100 is constructed to have three layers. The top layer and bottom layer are formed of the pliable material 10. The middle layer is formed of the slats 20. The slats 20 are positioned consecutively side by side along the length of the yoga mat 100. The slats 20 are positioned longitudinally across the width of the yoga mat 100. In the preferred embodiment the slats 20 do not extend to the edges of the yoga mat 100 but are surrounded by the pliable material. In other embodiments the slats 20 extend to the edges of the yoga mat 100. The layers may be of any thickness. In the preferred embodiment the thickness of the top layer may range from 2 mm to 4 mm. In the preferred embodiment, the slats 20 range in thickness from 2 mm to 4 mm. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom layer may range in thickness from 1 mm to 3 mm. The layers may be adhered together in any manner. In the preferred embodiment, the layers are adhered together using heat lamination or adhesive. Alternatively the yoga mat 100 may be constructed by injection molding the pliable material around the slats 20.

The slats 20 may be of any size and shape. In the preferred embodiment the slats are rectangular in shape. In the preferred embodiment the slats 20 range from 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches in width and the slats extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches away from the edge of the yoga mat 100. The slats 20 provide a stability to the yoga mat 100.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the yoga mat 100 is displayed. In this embodiment, the slats 20 are not positioned continuously side by side but are spaced apart to permit the pliable material 10 to pass between the slats 20.

In other embodiments, the slats 20 may be other shapes and sizes, as displayed in FIG. 4. The slats 20 may be shaped as squares, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, circles, or ovals aligned in rows. The smaller shaped slats 20 permits the yoga mat 100 more flexibility transversely while maintaining stability. The smaller shaped slats 20 may be spaced apart or positioned continuously side by side.

In some embodiments of the invention the exterior surface of the top and/or bottom layer may have a textured pattern to provide additional friction and decrease slippage during use of the yoga mat 100. Alternatively an additional layer of fabric may be added to the surface of the top and/or bottom layer for this same purpose. 

1. A yoga mat comprising A top layer of pliable material A bottom layer of pliable material A plurality of rigid slats positioned between said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable material.
 2. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein each of said plurality of rigid slats are rectangular in shape Wherein the width of each rigid slat is no less than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches Wherein said plurality of rigid slats extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches from the lateral edge of said yoga mat.
 3. The yoga mat as in claim 2 Wherein the thickness of said plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters.
 4. The yoga mat as in claim 3 Wherein the thickness of said top layer of pliable material is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said bottom layer of pliable material is no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3 millimeters.
 5. The yoga mat as in claim 4 Wherein said plurality of rigid slats are composed of bamboo Wherein said pliable material is a thermoplastic elastomer.
 6. The yoga mat as in claim 5 Wherein said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to said plurality of rigid slats by means of an adhesive.
 7. The yoga mat as in claim 6 Wherein the exterior surfaces of said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable material are textured surfaces.
 8. The yoga mat as in claim 5 Wherein said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to said plurality of rigid slats by means of heat lamination.
 9. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein the thickness of said top layer of pliable material is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said bottom layer of pliable material is no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3 millimeters.
 10. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein the thickness of said plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters.
 11. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said plurality of rigid slats are composed of bamboo.
 12. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said plurality of rigid slats are composed of a thermoplastic.
 13. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said pliable material is thermoplastic elastomer.
 14. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to said plurality of rigid slats by means of an adhesive.
 15. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein said top layer of pliable material and said bottom layer of pliable material are adhered to said plurality of rigid slats by means of heat lamination.
 16. The yoga mat as in claim 1 Wherein a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the width of said yoga mat Wherein a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of said yoga mat.
 17. The yoga mat as in claim 17 Wherein the thickness of said plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said top layer of pliable material is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters Wherein the thickness of said bottom layer of pliable material is no less than 1 millimeter and no more than 3 millimeters Wherein said pliable material is thermoplastic elastomer.
 18. A yoga mat comprising A plurality of rigid slats A continuous pliable surface material Wherein said plurality of rigid slats are encased in said continuous pliable surface material.
 19. The yoga mat as in claim 18 Wherein a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the width of said yoga mat Wherein a plurality of rigid slats are positioned along the length of said yoga mat.
 20. The yoga mat as in claim 18 Wherein each of said plurality of rigid slats are rectangular in shape Wherein the thickness of said plurality of rigid slats is no less than 2 millimeters and no more than 4 millimeters Wherein the width of each rigid slat is no less than 0.5 inches and no more than 1.5 inches Wherein said plurality of rigid slats extend to within 0.25 inches to 1.5 inches from the lateral edge of said yoga mat Wherein said pliable material is thermoplastic elastomer. 